The UK parliament can do what it wants, on one level, but if MPs were persuaded to pass the Withdrawal Agreement on this basis, where would that leave the EU side?
Come July 2020, the UK hits its first decision point....it can /2
Come July 2020, the UK hits its first decision point....it can /2
a) extend transition
b) shift to backstop
c) push onto future deal (which won't be ready)
So UK parliament cd choose not to kick in backstop....
But after two years (DEC 2023).... /3
b) shift to backstop
c) push onto future deal (which won't be ready)
So UK parliament cd choose not to kick in backstop....
But after two years (DEC 2023).... /3
What then? The Withdrawal Agreement says 2 years max. Further extension would require renegotiating the WA, pushing Article 50 legal base (separation issues only) possibly beyond it's limit.
So the default would be the Irish backstop...at that point, what worth the UK 'lock'?/4
So the default would be the Irish backstop...at that point, what worth the UK 'lock'?/4
UK could always walk away from the Withdrawal Agreement, as it can rip up any treaty as a sovereign state, but of course that comes with obvious and full consequences that come with being 'rogue' state that reneges on its obligations - to the WA, to the Good Friday Agreement /5
As an EU contact notes. "An insurance policy is an insurance policy is an insurance policy...:
Beat around the bushes howsoever we may.
ENDS
Beat around the bushes howsoever we may.
ENDS
